To the Editor:

As 2022 rapidly draws to a close and we enter the holiday season, many of us begin to think about gratitude–who and what we are grateful for.

In another unsure year, as families faced record inflation rates and the loss of universal meals, many have struggled and hundreds of thousands of kids here in our state may have faced hunger.

Yet, once again, hunger heroes here in Tennessee have stepped up to make sure children have access to the meals they need to learn, grow and thrive.

Groups of people like principals, teachers, school nutrition staff and members of community organizations--amongst others--have worked vigilantly to feed kids. Even in the face of new and ever-evolving challenges, these hunger heroes have continued to ensure kids have access to school and community meals, and have worked to help guarantee families have access to federal nutrition programs like SNAP and WIC.

We know it takes a village to help kids be successful in and out of the classroom. This season we hope you’ll join us in recognizing the schools who feed kids during the day and the community organization sponsors who serve meals after school lets out. Your work is something we’re truly grateful for. Feeding kids today is one of the greatest gifts we can give to ensure they’re ready to face the challenges of tomorrow.

Marissa Spady

No Kid Hungry Tennessee